James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially announced that the upcoming DCU film, *The Brave and the Bold*, will feature a new Batman, confirming that actor Robert Pattinson will not reprise his role as the Dark Knight in this new universe. During a DC Studios presentation, Safran and Gunn emphasized that Pattinson's portrayal of Batman is exclusive to Matt Reeves' *The Batman Epic Crime Saga*.
"It's certainly not the plan," Gunn stated firmly, dismissing any possibility of Pattinson crossing over into the DCU. Safran added, "And we love him, but we've got to introduce a Batman into the DCU. That's imperative. And so that's the plan with *The Brave and the Bold*."
This clarification comes after earlier speculation fueled by Reeves, who hinted at the possibility of Pattinson playing Batman across the broader DCU. In a conversation with reporter Josh Horowitz at the Golden Globes, Reeves mentioned, "It really comes down to whether or not it makes sense. What’s been great is there was a story that I wanted to tell with what we’re calling The Epic Crime Saga and all that, which is the thrust of what we want to do. And it’s been important to me to be able to play that out. And James and Peter have been really, really great about that and they’re letting us do that."
Reeves also noted that his focus is currently on developing *The Batman Part 2*, set for release on October 1, 2027. "What the future brings? I can’t really tell you. I have no idea right now except that my head is down now about getting *The Batman Part 2* shooting and to make it something really, really special which, of course, is the most important thing," he said.
Safran expressed enthusiasm for Reeves' vision, stating, "We love Matt’s vision for *The Batman Part 2*, and we're looking forward to this film as much as you are. He has yet to turn in a script, but what we've read so far is very encouraging."
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As for *The Brave and the Bold*, Safran described it as being in "very active development," with the story "coming together very nicely." There is uncertainty about whether Andy Muschietti, the director of *The Flash*, will helm the project. "We are developing the script, and will show it to Muschietti when we have it in a place where we think it's ready to go... and see if it's a fit for him," Safran explained. Gunn added, "I'm very, very actively involved in that script." More details about *The Brave and the Bold* are expected to be announced soon.
The delay of *The Batman Part 2* to October 1, 2027, marks a significant gap since Pattinson first donned the cape and cowl. When asked about a potential release window for *The Brave and the Bold*, Safran was cryptic, stating only, "Well, I think we've announced October, 2027 there will be a Batman movie. That is all we can tell you right now."
Fans eager to catch a glimpse of Gunn's Batman had a brief moment in Episode 6 of *Creature Commandos*, where Batman was depicted on a rooftop overlooking crime boss Doctor Phosphorus. The image showed a robust Caped Crusader in his classic attire. Gunn later explained to Rotten Tomatoes TV that he opted for a more silhouette-focused portrayal to keep the character's design open for future developments.
Gunn further clarified that this Batman is already established within the DCU, as seen in *Creature Commandos* and the upcoming *Superman* film, and thus, there is no need to retell his origin story. He also hinted at a potential collaboration between Batman and Superman, expressing his deep affection for the character: "This is the DCU Batman... Listen, I gotta tell you, I just love Batman. I love him. I've loved him since I was a little kid. He's one of my favorite characters. I've gone on the record in the past when I was at Marvel saying my favorite character is Batman. I love him and we're going to do great things with him. He's the most popular superhero in the world and I can't wait for people to see more of him, along with Superman, and together."
